Agromek: Organic farming benefits highlighted

Sales of organic food products in Denmark have almost
doubled within the past four years. It's anticipated prior to 2013 sales will
double again and then double that again before the year
2020.

This rapidly increasing demand coupled with potentially
much higher returns provides significant incentive for larger numbers of Danish
producers to make the switch to organic farming.

Consequently, "Organic Farming" will be a focus at the
upcoming Nov. 25th to 29th Agromek
, Exhibition
in Herning, Denmark.

On-site
toursSpecial on-site tours around the Agromek show
grounds will be arranged to visit those exhibitors who have machines, implements
and other production aids for organic farming. Organic farming will also be in
focus on a special theme day and at two booths that will provide consultation on
getting started in organic production.

Danish Minister for Food, Eva Kjer
Hansen, says, “We have been selected as being the Organic Country of the World
in 2009 – and we must take this opportunity to market good organic Danish food
products.”

In the spring of 2008, Hansen introduced a new Danish subsidy
arrangement for information, sales promotion and marketing of special quality
food products.

Significant growthBoth consumption and production of organic food products
increased very rapidly in Denmark during the 1990s. Following stagnation in the
first half of this decade, there is once again a significant growth in the
demand for organic food products. Organic food products now comprise more than 6
percent of the total Danish consumption. In the first half of this decade that
figure was approximately 3.5 percent.

Tomas Fibiger Nørfelt, information
consultant in the Danish Agricultural Advisory Service, (DAAS), National Centre
for Organic Farming says, “An organic farming consultant and a machine
consultant will be permanent guides for the organic farming tours which will
start at the Agromek exhibition. Participants will be able to discuss technical
and operational matters during these tours and at the various exhibit
booths.